(From company literature) Gitzo G1127 Mountaineer Sport Tripod. Reaching new heights of lightweight Carbon Fiber tripod design. A smaller version of the Mountaineer range, the Mountaineer Sport, Series 1, sets a new standard for lightweight tripods, offering a very high maximum load at a very low weight.

Up to 30% lighter than conventional aluminum versions without any compromise in strength, stability or durability. The G1127 features a grooved rapid column and will support camera and lens packages up to 11 lbs.

Unparalleled Strength
Gitzo carbon tubes use an exclusive process based on pull winding of long carbon fibers that are precisely wrapped and combined under high pressure and temperature with epoxy resin to a 1.5mm wall thickness. This manufacturing process ensures stiff, light tubes resistant to bending, have good tensile and compression strength, a high degree of stability in extreme temperatures, absorbs vibration and withstands fatigue better than other carbon fiber tube processes.

Cutting Edge
Carbon fiber Rapid center columns are now grooved to prevent rotation and increase stability. A stainless steel weight hook is attached to the base of the center column, providing a convenient place to add extra stability in windy conditions. Another first from Gitzo.

Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10

Pros:

strength to weight ratio

Cons:

too small for some setups

Fantastic little tripod for hiking and light pursuits. Will deliver sharp images with small zooms and bodies, but leave the big gear off this one. Also, it is not very tall (I am 6'4"), it doesn't extend anywhere near eye level. The center column gives a little hight flexibility, but any more than a couple inches and you're sacrificing stability. I chose this over a 4-section leg design, and I'm glad I did. The 4-section equivalent (1128) is not as sturdy. Great for hiking where weight is a huge issue, but not good for everyday use. I'd stick with the 1200 series, or the 1300 series if you want maximum stability. I use this tripod on 3+ day backpacking trips and love it. I wouldn't take anything bigger, because of the weight, and I wouldn't take anything smaller because it wouldn't be stable enough. Works well with an RRS BH-25 head, my D200 and smallish landscape lenses. Excellent set of sticks.

Now if I can only figure out how to incorporate the tripod into the tent setup so I can leave the tent poles at home, then I'd really be saving some weight!